Chapter 154: Stealth in the Heart of God Valley

As Roger and his group made their way into God Valley,

Jennifer, Smith, and White Tiger had already slipped quietly into the site where the Celestial Dragons held their rituals. Glancing at the map in their hands, they exchanged nods—they’d reached the most important spot, the very target of their operation.

“Looks like we’re in the right place,” Smith whispered.

Smith used his powers to transform Jennifer and White Tiger into wallpaper, allowing them to glide across the walls throughout the palace’s interior. This let them avoid the Celestial Dragons’ guards and scope out their surroundings, perfect for staying hidden.

“Don’t move yet,” Jennifer said, keeping her voice low. She sensed an unfamiliar presence approaching.

Both Jennifer and White Tiger’s Devil Fruits were on the verge of awakening. Along the way, Jennifer had used the Draw-Draw Fruit to leave little markers, probing their environment every step of the way.

Just now, a patrol had passed through one of Jennifer’s painted signatures, so she immediately picked up on their presence.

None of them spoke. Instead, they pressed into the shadows at the corner, waiting in silence.

They all knew they had to remain absolutely quiet—one wrong sound, and the patrolling guards would spot them.

If the patrol found them now, their whole plan would be over before it even started.

Tap tap tap…

Footsteps echoed, coming closer and closer. Soon, a ten-man patrol rounded the corner, marching past their hiding spot.

The guards wore gleaming gold armor. In the silent palace halls, every footstep rang out—shrill and unforgiving.

When the last guard disappeared, White Tiger poked his head out, scanning the area with cautious, wary eyes.

He whispered, tension in his voice, “We need to find the treasure room fast. There are way too many guards here. If we get caught, things will get messy.”

The other two nodded slightly. With guards changing shifts every two or three minutes, there was barely any time to maneuver.

One careless move meant exposure. They had to locate the Celestial Dragons’ treasure vault quickly. After exchanging glances, the three stuck close to the walls and began to move further down the corridor.

They checked every room, taking care not to miss anything. The atmosphere grew even more tense—their nerves on edge, dreading the sound of an approaching guard.

“Saint Charlos!” About three hundred meters away, a squad of guards escorted a Celestial Dragon toward a treasury. Their footsteps echoed down the empty corridor.

“The vault is just ahead. Allow me to guide you, my lord,” one of the guards said, his tone dripping with flattery.

Their sole duty was to serve the Celestial Dragons, so naturally, they obeyed every order without hesitation.

Saint Charlos himself was only here out of boredom—he wanted to pick a Devil Fruit from the vault to feed one of his slaves.

That was why, before the ritual began, he’d decided to visit the treasure vault.

As luck would have it, White Tiger overheard this and came to a halt.

“Stop!”

“I just heard—a Celestial Dragon is heading for the treasure vault.”

White Tiger, even in human form thanks to Smith’s power, was still a beast at heart. His instincts hadn’t dulled—he could hear, smell, and react far better than most people.

Now deep inside enemy territory, they didn’t dare use Observation Haki recklessly. There was no telling what countermeasures the Celestial Dragons had. Any slip and they’d be exposed.

Hearing the Celestial Dragon’s voice sparked a bit of excitement in White Tiger. If they could follow behind, it’d be much safer—and they might just find the vault.

“Really? Which way?” Jennifer and Smith froze, looking at White Tiger with anticipation.

Their eyes sparkled with hope—if they found the Celestial Dragon’s trail, they wouldn’t have to wander this endless labyrinth of a palace like headless chickens.

“Follow me.” White Tiger took the lead, following the direction of the voices. Jennifer and Smith shared a quick glance and pressed close to the walls, matching pace with him. They moved with such stealth that not a sound escaped.

Jennifer and Smith crept behind White Tiger, even more on guard as the palace ahead became increasingly extravagant.

Pillars, doors, even the walls looked like they were made of pure gold—every surface sparkled. Jennifer and Smith were stunned by the Celestial Dragons’ wealth, suddenly wondering what kinds of treasures might be hidden inside the vault.

After navigating several twists and turns, they finally glimpsed a Celestial Dragon wearing a hood just ahead.

Smith couldn’t help but sneer at the sight. “And they say they won’t even breathe the same air as us.”

“Give me a break.”

“What’s all that noise up ahead?” Saint Charlos was sprawled atop a slave’s back, irritably shaking his head.

Hearing the Celestial Dragon’s voice, the three immediately fell silent. Jennifer shot Smith a warning glare, worried their conversation had given them away. Smith mimed a zipping motion over his mouth, realizing he might have been too loud.

A nearby man in black quickly bowed low. “Lord Saint Charlos, there was a small disturbance ahead, but it’s nothing to worry about. Please proceed with the ritual.” His voice was filled with exaggerated respect—he knew if Charlos wasn’t kept happy, the consequences would be dire.

Hearing that the Celestial Dragon wasn’t upset, the three exchanged relieved glances and finally breathed a little easier.

Seeing Charlos stay calm, the suited man stood up straight and led the way. He didn’t know exactly what had happened, but the top priority was making sure the ritual went on as scheduled.

“Are we there yet?” Saint Charlos snapped impatiently, his tone arrogant and his gaze greedy.

“Almost there, my lord. Just around the corner,” the man in black replied, voice dripping with obedience.

“Nice going, kid.” Smith whispered from a short distance back, eyeing White Tiger at the front of the group.

He sounded genuinely impressed—he hadn’t expected White Tiger to actually find the way.

“He really did it,” Jennifer muttered just as quietly, excitement clear in her voice. The thought of finally reaching the Celestial Dragons’ vault made her heart race with anticipation.

After yet another turn, a giant golden door came into view, its handles embedded with dazzling red jewels.

The man in black stepped forward, pulling a massive golden key from his pocket. He slid it into the lock and gave it a gentle turn.

The door swung open slowly. The Celestial Dragon strode inside, head held high. The guards stood sentry at the entrance. Sticking close to the wall, Jennifer and her team slipped inside right behind them—fortunately, remaining unnoticed.